The off-season is the time to load up futures for your portfolio to make some money as the season progresses. While it may seem daunting to tie up money for the long term, there are many ways to build your bankroll with futures.
This week I’m watching the Miami Hurricanes.
While I’m usually fading new coaches, let alone a whole new staff, I just can’t help but drool over the Hurricanes’ potential this season.
Talented new head coach Mario Cristobal has taken the reins to make an instant impression at the ACC this season. That being said, I love the overall value of a win of the season.
Cristobal also brings in a new offensive coordinator in Josh Gattis — a huge addition since Gattis was the one who revitalized Michigan’s offense en route to a college football playoff berth. By establishing a dominant running game, Gattis will make a much-needed impact as Miami’s running game fell short last season with no rusher surpassing 600 yards.
The offensive underperformed overall last season, finishing outside the top 75 in both win rate and finishers, both of which are metrics Gattis excelled in Michigan.
While the running game may get a complete overhaul, the Canes have a familiar face returning as quarterback.
It’s safe to say that the D’Eriq King era was a failure. Touted as a potential Heisman champion, King was one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in football in Houston. Miami was ecstatic to announce his transfer target, only to be disappointed by injuries and a lack of production.
Luckily for the ‘Canes, their backup, Tyler Van Dyke, exceeded expectations and cemented himself as their starter. Van Dyke finished last season for 2,931 yards and 25 touchdowns on a 62.3 percent completion rate and will look to take another step forward with an open field if Gattis can unlock the running game.
Van Dyke ended the second half of the season on a high, finishing in the top 10 in passing yards, touchdowns and big throws.
With the Hurricanes returning more than 65 percent of their offensive TARP, Van Dyke and co will try to get the ACC’s attention.
Miami’s Schedule Outlook
With a win of the season totaling 8.5, my focus immediately shifted to the over. A key factor in cashing in on a win of the season overall is getting a win when you come in as an underdog, and Miami have the best opportunity to do that early in the season.
Miami opens the season with two non-conference opponents in Bethune-Cookman and Southern Miss. After an expected 2-0 start, things will get interesting when Miami take on Texas A&M.
Texas A&M has questions at the quarterback and could potentially be in a sleepy spot with Arkansas on deck in Week 4 (check out Collin Wilson’s full Miami vs. Texas A&M game breakdown here).
With only Clemson left on the fixture as a reasonably-sized potential favorite, we have plenty of room to cash in the over as Miami only has to go 9-3 – and there’s a hedge spot against Pitt in the final game of the season.
Hurricane Judgment
If Van Dyke can repeat his success and Gattis can crank up the running game, Miami’s offense will be a force to be reckoned with. Defense will also look to step up as they return 79 percent of their unit from last season.
With stability on defense and boom potential on offense, I’ll be confident about an 8.5 overall win of the season as Wilson Miami has the canes at 9.39 and SP+ at 8.72.
I will also contribute to the future of their division as the Coastal as a whole will be exhausted when North Carolina’s Sam Howell and Pitt’s Kenny Pickett depart for the NFL.
The revenue chain may be dead, but Miami is in the midst of a revival.
Selection: Over 8.5 wins (-115); Miami wins ACC Coastal (+150)
